College Calculus: Level I Linear Approximation

In this video we are going to talk about linear approximation to functions. The idea here in geometric terms is that a curved line can be approximated by a straight line tangent to it. Of course, this approximation is only good near the point of tangency. First, we are going to see some essential equations that will be used in the following examples. The most important one is formula of the line tangent to the curve at x=a. We will draw a simple graph to illustrate this. Then we will talk about df and Δf and see what do these terms mean.

I feel like this description is too brief, especially conceptually. Is there any way that you can create another video that has more depth and is a bit longer... something that offers a deeper insight into the methods and information being presented in this lecture.

Thanks

0 answers

Post by steven feemsteron June 4, 2014

WHERE DID YOU GET a=2?

Linear Approximation

This amounts to finding the equation of a tangent line.

If your instructor uses differentials, familiarize yourself with this notation.

Work through the geometry of linear approximation and of differentials.

You will probably be asked to use the linear approximation to estimate the value of a quantity.

Linear Approximation

Lecture Slides are screen-captured images of important points in the lecture. Students can download and print out these lecture slide images to do practice problems as well as take notes while watching the lecture.